Sarasota Democrats Excited To See Vice President (Video)

Folks lined up at Payne Park Monday evening to get their hands on a ticket to see the vice president at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

Vice President Joe Biden will speak at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium Wednesday morning, and those who showed up Monday to said they're excited to see the vice president in person and hope that he speech will resonate with Americans.

"I think he really needs to energize the voting base for some who may be burning out with this election," said Jamie Schoenfeld. "Today I got a call from the Romney people. I'm a registered Democrat and they're telling me what different paths we can take. I'm really done, but having Biden here—I'm so excited. I came rushing here."

Joshua Downes volunteers his time at the Organize For America office in downtown Sarasota and after his shift, he trekked over to Payne Park to make sure he could see the vice president on Wednesday. 

Four years ago, Downes was entering college and had a chance to see President Barack Obama campaign in Sarasota. Now he gets to see the vice president in his hometown and has a new perspective on education issues.

"I just graduated with a history degree and without the help from the Democratic Congress and Obama and Biden pushing for Pell Grants, I would not have a degree," said the Sarasota native. "I work with a lot of young students doing the same thing, and without that help they'll have a lot of trouble getting loans and everything else."

Edward Drake of Sarasota voted early on Sunday casting his ballot for Obama and Biden, but didn't want to pass up the chance to see the vice president. He hopes that Biden will touch on some key topics.

"I'd like to hear how they'll be able to handle domestic policy, job creation, how they intend to possibly sit down with foreign policy, which I know Joe is very in tune with," Drake said. 

Jim Everett is 64 years old and said he never missed an election, and he certainly won't miss this year's election let alone Wednesday's event.

"I like the way Joe speaks. He speaks from the heart, and he's like all the rest of us," Everett said. 

Tickets will be handed out again today at Payne Park and Newtown Estates Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.